PET Food Processing - October 2020 - 6

OFF THE LEASH

Hoping for
uncommon
I can confidently say I did not see 2020 turning out the way
it has so far. While at times it feels as though everything has
changed in 2020, much of this industry has stayed relatively
the same.
Thankfully, demand has continued to increase for pet food
and treats, and manufacturers continue to focus on meeting
that demand safely from both a heightened workforce safety
perspective and a food safety perspective. This year in particular, manufacturers have relied heavily on the processing and
technical knowledge suppliers provide to address increased
volume and additional challenges presented by COVID-19.
Pet Food Processing conducted audience surveys to keep
abreast of the rapid changes in the early months of the year,
and I would like to thank those of you who participated. We
plan to continue reaching out to measure sentiments and key
factors impacting the industry.
This issue is our second annual Resource Guide, featuring
market analysis and industry insights, notable 2020 product
launches, a look at recent brand claim litigation, processing
facilities coming online, and associations supporting pet food
and treat processors in the United States and abroad.
We examine these topics through the lens of an evolving
industry. As pet owners shift to e-commerce, processors are
scrambling to provide the right product, in the right format, through the right channel. The increased focus on pet
wellness has pet owners feeding a broader range of products to their pets, which puts the pressure on processors
to add to their manufacturing capabilities. The breadth of
ingredients incorporated in pet formulas is ever expanding and delivering the promises of functional ingredients is
increasingly complex.
As pet foods and treats become more sophisticated, food
safety remains a priority and margins tighten, finding the
right resource is key for success. New
in this issue is a collection of Supplier
Spotlights highlighting "solution providers" with expertise in the pet food
and treat processing industry ready to
partner and help processors tackle the
challenges they face.
I hope for all of our sakes that 2020
turns out to be an uncommon year. What isn't uncommon
is that industry partners have been that crucial 12th man on
which processors have relied to adapt to market demands.
Jennifer Semple | Editor, jsemple@sosland.com

6

PET FOOD PROCESSING | Ocotber 2020 | www.petfoodprocessing.net

®

EDITORIAL
Editor
Digital Associate Editor

Jennifer Semple
Jordan Tyler

PUBLISHING STAFF
Publisher
Publisher MEAT+POULTRY
Publisher Baking & Snack
Publisher World Grain
Publisher Food Business News and
Milling & Baking News
Publisher Bake/Supermarket Perimeter
Associate Publisher
Associate Publisher
Associate Publisher
International Sales Manager
Sales Associate
Sales Associate
Sales Manager - Classified Advertising
Director of Audience Development
Audience Development Analyst
Audience Database Specialist
Audience Development Coordinator
Director of Digital Media
Digital Advertising Manager
Advertising Manager
Advertising Coordinator
Design Services Manager
Production Specialist
Senior Design Consultant
Graphic Designer
Promotions Manager
Promotions Media Designer
Sales Coordinator

Steve Berne
Dave Crost
Paul Lattan
Dan Flavin
Mike Gude
Troy Ashby
David DePaul
Matt O'Shea
Bruce Webster
Adam Ungashick
James Boddicker
Tom Huppe
Lily Alvarez
Michael Barbee
Dustin Pickman
Lindsey Sheridan
Carlea Schuler
Jon Hall
Carrie Fluegge
Nora Wages
Kayley Kerns
Elisabeth Spillman
Marj Potts
Becky White
Brian Peterman
Jim White
Abby Chronister
Whitney Hartman

CORPORATE
Chairman and CEO
President
Chief Financial and
Administrative Officer
Chief Operating Officer
and Executive Editor
Chief Marketing Officer

Charles S. Sosland
L. Joshua Sosland
Staci Greco
Meyer Sosland
Jim Saladin

Corporate Headquarters
4801 Main St., Suite 650, Kansas City, MO 64112
Phone: (816) 756-1000; Fax: (816) 756-0494
E-mail: PetFoodProcessing@sosland.com
Internet: www.petfoodprocessing.net
http://www.petfoodprocessing.net http://www.petfoodprocessing.net
PET Food Processing - October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of PET Food Processing - October 2020
